News – Page 9 – Democracy Radio

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Growth as Niger State Turns 50

By Mustapha Musa The Federal Government has restated its commitment to inclusive growth, national unity, and sustainable development as Niger State celebrates its 50th anniversary. In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the golden jubilee is not just a celebration of time but a tribute to resilience, democratic endurance, and the shared aspirations of the people. Established in 1976 alongside Imo, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, Niger State holds a strategic […]

February 4, 2026 2

Local News

Abuja at 50: Wike Hails Ongoing Infrastructure Overhaul

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has praised the Tinubu's administration for what he described as a significant transformation of the Federal Capital Territory, driven by major infrastructure projects marking Abuja’s 50th anniversary. Speaking after inspecting the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), Ring Road I bridge, the Gishiri road network and the Apo–Wassa corridor, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work. He said the Gishiri road network is slated for inauguration within the administration’s third year, while […]

February 3, 2026

General

PENGASSAN Denies Allegations Against TotalEnergies, Disowns Reported Claims

By Chinedu Echianu The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has denied reports alleging that it accused TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited of maltreating Nigerian employees and violating labour and local content laws. In a statement on Tuesday issued by its Acting General Secretary, Comrade Jerry Amah Jr., PENGASSAN says it is concerned by a recent publication in a national daily which claimed the association had accused the oil company of harassment by expatriates, racism, and breaches of […]

February 3, 2026

General

Senate Orders Mandatory Stocking of Antidotes After Abuja Snakebite Death

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Senate has directed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop and enforce national guidelines mandating minimum stock levels of essential antidotes and emergency medicines in public and private hospitals across Nigeria. The resolution followed a motion by Senator Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West), who warned that rising medical emergencies—snakebites, scorpion stings, poisoning, drug overdose and other envenomation—require stronger national preparedness. Lawmakers expressed concern over the death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya “Nanyah” Nwangene, who reportedly […]

February 3, 2026

Business

NDLEA Launches Programme to Help Farmers Quit Illicit Drug Cultivation

By Oluwakemi Kindness In a bid to shift from raids and crop destruction to livelihood support, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched Africa’s first alternative development programme aimed at helping farmers move away from illicit cannabis cultivation. The initiative, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday, by NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), focuses on tackling the reasons people grow illegal drug crops especially poverty and lack of opportunities rather than relying only on arrests and farm […]

February 3, 2026

Local News

Wike, Labour Call Off FCTA Workers’ Strike

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and organised labour have reached an agreement to end the strike by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers. The resolution followed a marathon meeting convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi, which lasted over three hours in Abuja. Those present at the meeting included FCT minister Wike, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo, […]

February 3, 2026

Politics

PDP Sets March for Convention, as Wike Declares Oyo Interest

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed March 28 and 29, 2026, for its National Convention in Abuja, where new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and other statutory organs will be elected. This was part of resolutions reached at the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Abuja. Key Resolutions NEC unanimously reaffirmed all decisions taken at the party’s 104th Emergency NEC meeting of December 7, 2025, declaring them […]

February 3, 2026

Economy

CBN Sets New Priorities to Strengthen Nigeria’s Fintech Ecosystem

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined new policy priorities focused on regulatory coordination, stronger supervisory capacity and responsible, scalable innovation to sustain growth and protect the integrity of the country’s fintech ecosystem. In a new assessment report released on Monday, the apex bank said Nigeria’s fintech landscape has grown rapidly, boosted by real-time payments infrastructure and rising digital adoption across the country. According to the report, fintech innovation continues to complement the wider financial system […]

February 3, 2026

Education

PISE-P, BKF to Sponsor UTME Registration for 5,000 Abia Students

By: Oluwakemi Kindness The Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) and the Benjamin Kalu Foundation (BKF) have announced a new initiative to provide free UTME registration for 5,000 students across Abia State. The programme will cover the full Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration fees for beneficiaries drawn from all 17 Local Government Areas of the state. A statement on Tuesday by the chief press secretary to Kalu, Levinus Nwabughiogu, says applications will run from February 2 to […]

February 3, 2026